Lipscomb brings graduate leadership classes to Memphis

Lipscomb University is offering its first graduate leadership classes in Memphis for the spring 2026 semester. The new cohort is part of a partnership with the Tennessee National Guard that began in Nashville in 2022. The program targets full-time and part-time members of the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard.

The initiative started with 13 leaders in Nashville in 2022. It later expanded to Knoxville. Memphis is the third location for the program. The U.S. Department of the Army awarded the partnership the Army Community Partnership Award in 2023. The award recognized the collaboration between the university and the Tennessee National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters.

Current fall 2026 enrollment in the Memphis cohort stands at 22 students. These students range from junior officers to the wing commander and command chief of the 164th Airlift Wing. Classes meet on alternating Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the 164th Airlift Wing. Lipscomb professors travel from Nashville to teach the group.

Students in the Memphis cohort will attend classes for approximately 18 months. They are expected to complete their Master of Arts in leadership and public service degrees by August 2027. An online synchronous option is also available for participants. The program offers discounted tuition to eligible service members.

Senior Master Sgt. Kimishia Jones, a student in the Memphis cohort, said the experience has been rewarding and transformative. She noted that the professors connect leadership concepts to real-world challenges. Jones said she has strengthened her ability to use negotiation and collaboration to adapt her leadership style. She aims to use these skills to improve processes and strengthen teamwork.

Steve Joiner, dean of the College of Leadership & Public Service, said the Pentagon-supported partnership has been an exciting addition over the last four years. He stated that the program allows the university to bring graduate education directly to Guard members. Joiner said the strong response to the new Memphis cohort demonstrates the value of making this leadership education accessible where service members are located.

The college offers four master's degree programs: conflict management, leadership and public service, public administration, and sustainability. A fifth cohort offered online is set to begin in January 2027. This online option will extend the program's reach to Guard members statewide.